Alyra’s team is developing an amazing expedition for a Montreal high school that will combine learning the history of Mesoamerica, traditionals ceremonies, cultural immersion and experiencing excursions in nature. The most important objective is to accomplish a development project in order to improve the quality of life in a hosting community in the Sierra Sur (south mountain) in the state of Oaxaca.

PART 1 – Day 1-12: Oaxaca, Monte Alban and the development project

• Explore the archaeological site of Monte Alban, the ancient capital of the Zapotecs and one of the first cities in Mesoamerica. During its epoch, it was also one of the most populated cities in the region. It was founded approximately 500 years BC and flourished until 750 AD. The site has a spectacular mountain top location overlooking the valleys of Oaxaca.
• Community project in Cerro Santiago.
• Discover the flora and fauna of the Sierra Sur ecosystem.
• Tortilla-making workshop
• Play sports with locals from the community

Day 1: Night time arrival in Oaxaca City
Private transport to Cerro Santiago (3h30)
1 night in a hostel in Oaxaca
11 nights in homestays

PART 2 – Days 13-18: Oaxaca coast

• Discover the marine wildlife of the Pacific Coast: snorkeling and beach hopping adventure
• Visit the National Mexican Turtle Center in Mazunte
• Watch the sunset at the mystical site of Punta Cometa, Mazunte
• Build a Traditional Temazcalli (place of spiritual refuge and mental and physical healing) and experience a traditional purification ceremony. Temazcalli is a traditional sweat lodge, also called a purification ceremony or simply “sweat”, which is a hut, typically dome-shaped and made with natural materials. It is used by Indigenous peoples of the Americas for ceremonial steam baths and prayer. The Sweat Lodge is a place of spiritual refuge and mental and physical healing.
• Mexican cooking workshop with Agapita
• Discover Oaxaca’s lively Zocalo (Main square), vibrant markets and Oaxaca’s colonial streets
• Sample typical Oaxacan dishes
• Learn about traditional Oaxacan crafts : Alebrijes and Black Pottery

Private transport from the community to Puerto Angel in Mazunte (3h)
3 nights in Puerto Angel
Private transport to the airport at Oaxaca (6h)
1 night in a hostel in Oaxaca
Day 17: Flight back to Montreal
Day 18: Arrival in Montreal in the morning

• Preps

  Travel documents
  A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the date of your return flight back home.

  Luggage
  The least amount of luggage possible. We recommend bags that are practical and easy to carry. One large bag and a small day back-pack is ideal.

  Health
  We recommend you consult your local medical travel clinic (or doctor) a few months before leaving in order to ensure you have the necessary vaccines. Your medical insurance card might not cover costs incurred due to injuries or health costs when you are abroad. If you need to travel with medication of some kind, please bring a doctor’s prescription.

  Safety
  We recommend you bring a concealed belt that can hold your important documents, credit cards and currencies. It is illegal to take any objects found in archeological sites or any natural resources from any of the national parks, ecological reserves, protectorates or any other sites visited.

  Insurance
  Find information of our availaible travel insurance: All inclusive travel policy and Youth travel policy.

• These prices include

  • International flights from Montreal and back;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation;
  • Lodging (in the community): in host families, 1-2 per family for students;
  • Lodging (outside the community): multiple occupancy for students;
  • Food: 3 meals a day (Local authentic food will be served);
  • Snacks and potable water at all times;
  • Organization of the community projects and coordination with the local community leader and members;
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and potable water during meals;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides (when mentioned);
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Tips to local guides, drivers, restaurants, etc.;
  • Pre-trip prep: 2 meetings with the students/parents to prepare everyone for the trip.

• These prices do not include

  • 0.1% for the OPC (Consumer Protection Office);
  • Insurance Package: Medical, Interruption and Cancelation coverage;
  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports)
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;
  • Transportation from the school to the airport and back;
  • Laundry and any other personal expenses.